IDF Israeli Army General Staff ("Matkal") 2-toned curved metal beret insignia badge, circa. 1948-early 1950's: original two-piece construction, with gold colored leaves (front and back of component) and silver sword, with 2-pronged back; not maker marked; weight: 14.20 grams. In excellent physical condition and exhibits full detail. Unlike later issues (which are also scarce) these original issues have clean, open spaces between the details, particularly around the 1st, lower olive of the branch surmounting the sword. A rare instance of colored Israeli militaria.